Leviticus 4 5

Leviticus 4:5 kjv

And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation:

Leviticus 4:5 nkjv

Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull's blood and bring it to the tabernacle of meeting.

Leviticus 4:5 niv

Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull's blood and carry it into the tent of meeting.

Leviticus 4:5 esv

And the anointed priest shall take some of the blood of the bull and bring it into the tent of meeting,

Leviticus 4:5 nlt

The high priest will then take some of the bull's blood into the Tabernacle,

Leviticus 4 verses

Leviticus 4 5 Meaning

Leviticus 4:5 describes a critical phase in the sin offering ritual, specifically for the most severe cases of unintentional sin by the High Priest or the entire Israelite congregation. It instructs the High Priest to take a portion of the sacrificial bull's blood—which biblically represents life and is ordained for atonement—and transport it from the altar where the animal was slaughtered, bringing it into the Holy Place within the Tent of Meeting. This action initiates the sacred act of applying the blood for purification and propitiation, demonstrating the gravity of the sin's defiling effect on God's dwelling place.

Leviticus 4 5 Context

Leviticus chapter 4 meticulously outlines the sin offering (chattat) for different social categories, focusing on sins committed "unintentionally." Verse 5 belongs to the most serious categories: either the unintentional sin of the "anointed priest" (the High Priest, vv. 3-12) or of "the whole congregation of Israel" (vv. 13-21). In both cases, the sacrifice required is a young bull, signifying the immense gravity and cost. The ritual of bringing the blood into the Tent of Meeting (specifically, the Holy Place) emphasizes that such significant sins not only defiled the sinner but also spiritually contaminated the sacred dwelling place of God Himself. Historically, the Tent of Meeting, or Tabernacle, served as the physical manifestation of God's presence among Israel, and its purity was paramount for maintaining the covenant relationship. This specific act highlights the severity of the sin and the detailed, divinely prescribed means of restoration.

Leviticus 4 5 Word analysis

• And the priest (וְלָקַח הַכֹּהֵן - ve-lakakh ha-kohen): Refers to the High Priest, as this specific offering (bull for his own sin or the congregation's) falls exclusively within his duties. He acts as the sole, divinely appointed mediator for these most serious offenses, carrying a heavy responsibility.
• shall take (וְלָקַח - ve-lakakh): Denotes a purposeful and solemn act of receiving and handling. The High Priest must personally gather the sacred element of atonement.
• some of the blood (מִדַּם - mi-dam): Indicates a portion of the total blood. "Blood" (dam) is intrinsically linked with "life" (Lev 17:11); it is the substance God designated as the medium for covering (atoning for) sin. Its specific ritual application signified the life surrendered for the offender.
• of the bull (הַפָּר - ha-par): The choice of a bull, the largest and most valuable domestic animal, underscored the severity of the High Priest's or the entire nation's sin. Its costly sacrifice reflects the magnitude of the defilement and the price of atonement.
• and bring it (וְהֵבִיא אֹתוֹ - ve-hevi oto): Signifies the High Priest's direct physical transport and delivery of the blood. The action is a crucial part of the ritual sequence, moving the life-giving atonement from the place of slaughter to the very presence of God. "It" refers to the blood.
• to the Tent of Meeting (אֶל־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד - el-ohel mo'ed): Refers to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God manifested His presence and met with Israel. Bringing the blood "into" the Holy Place within this Tent, as opposed to applying it only to the outdoor altar, demonstrated that the sin had defiled the sanctuary itself, necessitating its purification. This specific location underscores the direct impact of the sin on God's dwelling and the seriousness of the required atonement.

Leviticus 4 5 Bonus section

The specific act in Leviticus 4:5 of bringing blood into the Tent of Meeting for application on the Golden Altar (Lev 4:7) and sprinkling before the veil (Lev 4:6) is a higher level of atonement ritual than those for a leader or common person, where the blood was applied only to the horns of the bronze altar of burnt offering in the outer courtyard (Lev 4:25, 30, 34). This progression underscores the idea that sins by those in positions of greater covenant responsibility (High Priest, whole congregation) have a deeper defiling impact, reaching closer to God's immediate presence in the Tabernacle. This foreshadows Christ's sacrifice, which provides a definitive and once-for-all purification, making access to God's heavenly sanctuary (the ultimate "Tent of Meeting") possible for all who believe, without repeated animal blood rituals.

Leviticus 4 5 Commentary

Leviticus 4:5 illuminates the deeply intricate nature of God's prescribed atonement for unintentional sin. The act of the High Priest bringing the sacrificial bull's blood into the Tent of Meeting, into the sacred Holy Place, emphasizes that even "accidental" sin contaminates not only the individual but also God's very dwelling among His people. This vital action demonstrates God's absolute holiness, tolerating no defilement, and His mercy in providing a means for cleansing and reconciliation. The sacred blood, representing the life surrendered, was the sole divinely appointed substance to make atonement. This precise and costly ritual underscored the temporary and preparatory nature of the Mosaic law, repeatedly highlighting humanity's inherent sinfulness and foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ, whose one-time blood offering perfectly fulfilled these types and forever cleanses us and opens the way to God's presence.